Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.

5.0 /5.0

45 Client Reviews

Avvo

5.0

(42)

Lawyers.com

5.0

(3 )

 See client reviews from Lawyers.com
Filter Avvo Reviews (42) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Star rating
5 stars 42
4 stars 0
3 stars 0
2 stars 0
1 star 0
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (15) Lawsuits & Disputes (9) Family (3) DUI & DWI (2) Speeding & Traffic Ticket (2) Business (1) Car Accidents (1) Expungement (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (26) Recommendation (18) Advocacy (15) Professionalism (15) Communication Style (11) Character & Conduct (9) Compassion (9) General Knowledge (8) Responsiveness (8) Cost of Services (5) Practice Area Knowledge (5) Trustworthiness (5) Staff & Support (3)

Showing 1 - 5 of 42 reviews

Posted by T Murray | March 19, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

2nd Degree Felony- DISMISSED

I'll begin this review by advising, I've never been in trouble with the law. I think I've only gotten 3 driving citations my entire life. When I got arrested January of 2025 for 'Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon' (2nd degree felony), I didn't know where to turn. I was confused, in a state of ...shock and PANIC daily! I ignorantly thought, 'this was a mistake that they're going to 'fix' and I don't have to worry about this case. It'll be thrown out'. I was wrong. I hired counsel and that firm got me NO WHERE FAST! I immediately began to look for new counsel approximately 2 months into this case. I then found attorney Panella. He took time to listen to my entire ordeal and took IMMEDIATE action. I think it's important to note the PATIENCE you must have during a situation like this, and when you're waiting, you NEED communication and reassurance. ANY time that I needed to reach out to attorney Panella, he was there to advise. When I emailed, he'd email me back; even at 1 am in the morning when he finished the other massive amounts of workload he has! I would write HUGE PARAGRAPHS, novellas even, in these emails and he'd simply reassure me in every single one that he's 'got this' and everything would work out. His presence in the courtroom is undeniable. He's concise, forceful and willing to FIGHT for you in front of the judge! He fought for me for over a YEAR! A year of going to Seminole county courthouse every MONTH, dedicated to the words he told me, and steadfast in his determination to get this case dismissed! Even when prosecution wanted me to take a lesser charge! March 2026, I finally got the words I've been waiting on, 'Your case has been dismissed!' Attorney Panella, I truly THANK YOU for everything. Your determination, dedication, constant communications and most importantly, your ability to be a therapist as well as a hell of a criminal defense attorney!!!

Posted by Lucinda | February 07, 2026 | Hired Attorney

Grateful and God Sent

Hi, my name is Lucinda. This is about MP and team. I found myself in a rather precarious situation. I was in need of an attorney and was directed to MP. When I had contacted him and informed him of the situation, he took the time to listen fully to my plight. After doing so he gave me his best answe...r and how to face the situation. I found that he was very knowledgeable, caring, understanding and willing to help. He made no promises except that he would do his best to resolve my situation. I found this to be true, because MP and team resolved my situation. This is why, I titled this review "Grateful and God Sent!"

Posted by anonymous | January 25, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Thankful for great representation by Michael Panella

We are beyond grateful for the outstanding work Michael did for our family. From day one, he handled our case with professionalism, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to my son’s best interests. Michael fought hard every step of the way and never stopped advocating for us, which ultimately led ...to our case being dismissed. What truly sets Michael apart is the care and empathy he shows his clients. He made a stressful and emotional situation feel manageable and always took the time to explain things clearly and honestly. We are forever grateful and truly blessed to have had Michael as our attorney. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of strong, compassionate legal representation.

Posted by Andrew | January 19, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Mike Panella is the only attorney you need to talk to

I cannot recommend Mike Panella enough. He is an incredible criminal defense attorney who truly cares about his clients. He always communicated promptly, never made me feel like my questions were insignificant, and was consistently responsive throughout the entire process. I was overwhelmed and anxio...us about what might happen, but Mike’s passion for the law and commitment to my case gave me confidence. My previous attorney was unable to get any type of plea offer or reduction in charges, was literally telling me to throw myself at the mercy of the courts and go to state prison. Mike Panella was not only able to get me a deal that brought enormous relief and lifted a huge weight off of my shoulders, but he got a reduction to misdemeanor charges and no jail time. I am deeply thankful for his work and support.

Posted by Carol | August 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Car Accidents

Look no Further; Simply the BEST!!

Let me begin by saying, I rarely write reviews, but had to make an exception in this case. Michael Panella is simply the absolute best. Not only is he professional, kind, caring, thoughtful, knowledgeable but he will work with you and your finances. Many lawyers are thoughtless and money hungry and r...eally don't care about their clients but, Mike is an exception. I previously used Mike Panella in a motor vehicle incident regarding my son that could have turned out a whole lot differently, but he went to bat for him and got the best result possible. Needless to say when my son got in trouble recently with a charge that would result in a felony, I called Mike and explained the situation with tears in my eyes, because I knew that my son was not a criminal and was not guilty of the charges. With a felony on his record, this would be devastatingly damaging for him and his future. Mike again went to bat for him and within a couple of days he got the whole thing dismissed. He made my day. I was so happy and thankful. If you are looking for a good lawyer, look no further; I highly recommend this lawyer. You wont be disappointed. Thank you Mike

See All Client Reviews